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JMIR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SURVEILLANCE Sheehy

Viewpoint

Considerations for Postacute Rehabilitation for Survivors of


COVID-19

Lisa Mary Sheehy, PT, PhD


Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada

Corresponding Author:
Lisa Mary Sheehy, PT, PhD
Bruyère Research Institute
43 Bruyère St
Ottawa, ON, K1N5C8
Canada
Phone: 1 6135626262 ext 1593
Email: lsheehy@bruyere.org

Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was
first reported on December 31, 2019. Because it has only been studied for just over three months, our understanding of this disease
is still incomplete, particularly regarding its sequelae and long-term outcomes. Moreover, very little has been written about the
rehabilitation needs of patients with COVID-19 after discharge from acute care. The objective of this report is to answer the
question “What rehabilitation services do survivors of COVID-19 require?” The question was asked within the context of a
subacute hospital delivering geriatric inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. Three areas relevant to rehabilitation after
COVID-19 were identified. First, details of how patients may present have been summarized, including comorbidities, complications
from an intensive care unit stay with or without intubation, and the effects of the virus on multiple body systems, including those
pertaining to cardiac, neurological, cognitive, and mental health. Second, I have suggested procedures regarding the design of
inpatient rehabilitation units for COVID-19 survivors, staffing issues, and considerations for outpatient rehabilitation. Third,
guidelines for rehabilitation (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology) following COVID-19 have been
proposed with respect to recovery of the respiratory system as well as recovery of mobility and function. A thorough assessment
and an individualized, progressive treatment plan which focuses on function, disability, and return to participation in society will
help each patient to maximize their function and quality of life. Careful consideration of the rehabilitation environment will ensure
that all patients recover as completely as possible.

(JMIR Public Health Surveill 2020;6(2):e19462) doi: 10.2196/19462

KEYWORDS
covid-19; rehabilitation; subacute care; inpatient rehabilitation; public health; infectious disease; virus; patient outcome; geriatric;
treatment; recovery

The objective of this report was to answer the question “What


Introduction rehabilitation services do survivors of COVID-19 require?” The
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the infection caused by severe question was asked within the context of a subacute hospital
acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was delivering geriatric inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation
first reported on December 31, 2019. Because it has only been services. As of April 14, 2020, very little has been written about
studied for just over three months, our understanding of this the rehabilitation needs or outcomes for patients with COVID-19
disease is still incomplete, particularly its sequelae and long-term after discharge from acute care. Upon thoughtful consideration
outcomes. Knowledge about COVID-19, including its of the question, it appears that the topics of greatest importance
presentation and treatment, is changing very rapidly, and to allied health professionals treating patients with COVID-19
guidelines are quickly being created and updated. Therefore, it are the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial presentation of
is important to remain current by engaging in frequent reviews survivors, the procedures that would be required within a
of new research. rehabilitation department, and the treatment that should be
provided. These three topics are discussed in order below.

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Much of what has been published is based on expert opinion acute kidney injury, and cardiac injury [2,10,13]. These
but not on direct observation of the actual trajectories of patients complications contribute to the need for ICU admissions [10].
with COVID-19. Many of the early papers came from China
Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) is a mixed sensorimotor
and Italy , the locations that had the earliest experience with
neuropathy that leads to axonal degeneration; it may occur after
COVID-19; these can potentially provide insight into
COVID-19 [5,14-16]. In one study of patients hospitalized in
longer-term outcomes and ongoing patient needs. Organizations
the ICU with ARDS, up to 46% of patients presented with CIP
such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and
[15]. CIP causes difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation,
physiotherapy organizations have also written acute-care clinical
generalized and symmetrical weakness (distal greater than
practice guidelines for patients with COVID-19 [1,2]. Some
proximal, but including diaphragmatic weakness), distal sensory
authors have extrapolated based on postacute patient
loss, atrophy, and decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes
presentations and the rehabilitation needs of patients with similar
[15,16]. It is associated with pain, loss of range of motion,
conditions, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS),
fatigue, incontinence, dysphagia, anxiety, depression,
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and sepsis, and
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and cognitive loss [15].
from those requiring intensive care unit (ICU) care and assisted
Muscle biopsies and electromyographic testing can be diagnostic
mechanical ventilation for other reasons [1-7]. These suggestions
[15,16]; however, it is unclear how often these tests are
have been included here, and research on these conditions has
performed in acute care settings post–COVID-19.
informed what follows here regarding patient presentation and
rehabilitation. However, the physical presentations of SARS Critical illness myopathy (CIM), which presents in 48%-96%
and MERS are different than that of COVID-19, and the of ICU patients with ARDS, is a non-necrotizing diffuse
experiences of patients with these diseases are not necessarily myopathy with fatty degeneration, fiber atrophy, and fibrosis
the same as those of COVID-19 patients. SARS mainly causes [5,15,16]. It is associated with exposure to corticosteroids,
respiratory symptoms along with diarrhea, while MERS causes paralytics, and sepsis. The clinical presentation is similar to CIP
more gastrointestinal and kidney symptoms along with but with more proximal than distal weakness and sensory
respiratory symptoms [4,8]. COVID-19 appears to cause a wider preservation [15,16]. For both CIP and CIM, the cranial nerves
variety of symptoms that are related to many body systems (eg, and facial muscles are preserved [16]. Patients recover from
cardiac, kidney, and nervous systems) [4,9-12]. SARS and myopathy more completely and quickly than from
MERS are more lethal than COVID-19, with fatality rates of polyneuropathy; however, with both conditions, weakness, loss
approximately 10% and 36%, respectively, and patients with of function and quality of life, and poor endurance may persist
both diseases are more likely to be hospitalized and require for up to two years or even longer [15,16]. These prolonged
mechanical ventilation [8]. changes are out of proportion with any residual loss of
pulmonary function. Research studies on the effects of postacute
Patient Presentation For COVID-19 care rehabilitation are inconclusive but suggest that
comprehensive integrated inpatient rehabilitation is required
Survivors in the Rehabilitation Unit [14].
Comorbidities, direct lung damage from COVID-19, and Post–intensive care syndrome is described separately from CIP
concurrent injuries to other organs and systems due to and CIM; it is associated with reduced pulmonary function
COVID-19 are all important considerations when creating a (restrictive pattern), reduced inspiratory muscle strength, poor
rehabilitation treatment plan for patients recovering from knee extension, poor upper extremity and grip strength, and low
COVID-19. The information below presents several functional capacity [17]. Improvement occurs over a year or
comorbidities and features of COVID-19; however, this more [17].
knowledge continues to evolve.
Potential Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Comorbidities
Patients with COVID-19 who have physically recovered and
The leading comorbid conditions of patients with COVID-19 have tested negative for the virus twice are deemed to be cured
are hypertension (55%), coronary artery disease and stroke and noninfectious. However, there are reports of such patients
(32%), and diabetes (31%) [10]. Patients with COVID-19 are subsequently testing positive 5-13 days later using a different
less likely to have the following chronic illnesses: liver diseases manufacturer’s test kit [18]. The virus may also persist in a
(9%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (7%), malignancy patient’s oropharyngeal cavity and stools for up to 15 days after
(6%), chronic renal failure (4%), gastrointestinal diseases (3%), they are declared cured of COVID-19 (no fever, no respiratory
central nervous system diseases (<1%), and immunodeficiency symptoms, 2 negative swab tests) [19]. This is of particular
(1%) [10]. Therefore, survivors requiring prolonged concern for patients who are intended to be discharged to
rehabilitation are more likely to be older and to have preexisting rehabilitation facilities or long-term care because they may still
cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, which may influence be able to transmit disease, potentially infecting other patients
their rehabilitation and outcomes. or residents. Because of this, an additional 14 days in quarantine
Complications of Severe COVID-19 or discharge to a dedicated COVID-19 step-down unit has been
recommended [18,20].
The most likely early complications are acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis/septic shock, multi-organ failure,

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Cardiac Sequelae Cognitive Sequelae


In one study [13], 20% of hospitalized patients in China with In one study of patients with respiratory failure or shock, after
COVID-19 had associated cardiac injury. These patients were ICU admission (91% were mechanically ventilated), median
more likely to have comorbidities, require mechanical global cognition scores (measured by the Repeatable Battery
ventilation, and have other complications (eg, ARDS 59%, acute for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status) were an
kidney injury 9%, electrolyte disturbances 16%, average of 1.5 SD below the age-adjusted population mean and
hypoproteinemia 13% and coagulation disorders 7%) [13]. They similar to those of patients with mild cognitive impairment [28].
also had much higher mortality (51% vs 5%) [13]. The Among these patients, 26% had scores 2 SD below the
mechanism of cardiac injury is uncertain [13]. Presentations population mean, similar to scores for patients with mild
can include arrhythmia, cardiac insufficiency, ejection fraction Alzheimer disease [28]. Repeat testing at 12 months did not
decline, troponin I elevation, and severe myocarditis with show much change [28]. The trend was the same for patients
reduced systolic function [4,11]. One brief report profiled a regardless of their age [15,28]. Cognitive impairment can persist
woman with acute myopericarditis/heart failure post–COVID-19 [15,28]. Cognitive impairment can affect 70%-100% of patients
[9]. As the research investigating cardiac injury included either at discharge; 46%-80% still have it one year later, and 20% still
cross-sectional studies or cohort studies with short-term have it after 5 years [15]. All components of cognition can be
follow-up (4 weeks), long-term outcomes are unknown [4,21]. affected, including attention, visual-spatial abilities, memory,
Persistent tachycardia was common after SARS; however, it executive function, and working memory [15,28]. However,
tended to resolve itself and was not associated with increased there is a great deal of variation in these effects.
risk of death [4,13]. The presence of cardiac injury and
accompanying comorbidities must be taken into consideration
Psychological Sequelae
for patients entering rehabilitation. In research regarding ICU admissions for ARDS, adverse
psychological impacts have been reported [15]. Even after 2
Neurological Sequelae years, PTSD (22%-24%), depression (26%-33%), and general
Acutely, 36.4% of patients with COVID-19 develop neurological anxiety (38%-44%) are prevalent [15]. These have been reported
symptoms, including headaches, disturbed consciousness, as concerns post–COVID-19 as well, accompanied by a severe
seizures, absence of smell and taste, and paresthesia [5,21]. reduction in quality of life and function [7]. One of the greatest
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, which causes risk factors for post-ARDS mood disturbances is premorbid
headache, confusion, seizures and visual loss, is a potential psychiatric illness [15]. Other risks include younger age, female
complication of COVID-19 [5]. Viral encephalitis has been sex, unemployment, alcohol use, and greater use of opioid
reported to be caused by COVID-19, and brain tissue edema sedation [15]. Family members may also suffer from PTSD,
and partial neuronal degeneration have been found in deceased anxiety, and depression, and they may have difficulty managing
patients [12,22]. It is hypothesized that COVID-19 can increase their new caregiver roles [15].
one’s risk for acute cerebrovascular events [12]. At least one
person has had Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with Suggested Procedures for
COVID-19; however, no causal relationship was determined
[23].
Post–COVID-19 Rehabilitation
SARS can induce neurological diseases such as polyneuropathy, After discharge from acute care, some patients who have
viral encephalitis, and aortic ischemic stroke [24]. In MERS, recovered from the acute respiratory effects of COVID-19 will
almost one-fifth of patients showed neurological symptoms need further rehabilitation. How many of these patients may
(altered consciousness, paralysis, ischemic stroke, Guillain-Barré need postacute care? In one study, 30% of patients hospitalized
syndrome, infectious neuropathy, or seizures) [25,26]. with sepsis (which has a similar mortality rate to COVID-19)
required facility-based care; another 20% required home health
Other Body Systems care [29].
Patients severely affected by COVID-19 are more likely to have
Design and Procedures for an Inpatient Rehabilitation
acute kidney injury as well as secondary infection [10,11].
Unit
Survivors of ARDS with mechanical ventilation have reported
complications such as tracheal stenosis, heterotopic ossification, These suggestions regarding the design of an inpatient
contractures, adhesive capsulitis, decubitus ulcers, hoarseness, rehabilitation unit in this time of COVID-19, and the procedures
tooth loss, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, brachial plexus to be followed, are mostly based on the experiences of China
injuries, and entrapment neuropathies (peroneal and ulnar) and Italy, who are ahead of Canada on the COVID-19 trajectory
[7,15]. They also had concerns regarding scarring and changes [5,21,29-31]. Experience during the SARS epidemic has also
in appearance due to a variety of causes [15]. informed these suggestions on the provision of rehabilitative
care [32]. Considerations for the design and procedures for
Osteoporosis and avascular necrosis have been reported as inpatient rehabilitation after COVID-19 will become more
sequelae of SARS [27]. These conditions may have arisen due refined as more survivors are treated and facilities learn from
to the use of corticosteroids, which are not a suggested treatment experience. Each suggestion from the literature [5,21,29-31],
for COVID-19 [10]. The prevalence of the use of corticosteroids stated below, needs to be evaluated based on the unique
to treat COVID-19 in different cities and countries is unknown. circumstances of each rehabilitation unit as well as the needs
of the patients and the greater health care community.
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• A separate unit or area is suggested for the rehabilitation aerosols from post–COVID-19 patients (eg, chest
of patients post–COVID-19 and other patients arriving on physiotherapy and swallowing assessments).
the unit. • It is important to seek ongoing input from front line staff
• Depending on need, it has been suggested that dedicated to inform others. One group of rehabilitation professionals
facilities should be used to treat patients post–COVID-19; in Italy has been holding weekly webinars to stay up-to-date
examples may include underutilized rural hospitals or with the changing needs of rehabilitation during this time.
retrofitted unused buildings, such as university dormitories. These are available for an international audience.
• It may be necessary to receive patients from acute care • All nonrequired therapies and services should be cancelled,
earlier than is generally done. or telecommunication should be used to deliver them.
• Patients should stay in their rooms. • The time taken to don PPE and perform infection control
• Group therapy and therapy in rehabilitation gyms should measures may decrease work efficiency.
be prohibited; therapy should be provided one-on-one in • Allied health professionals should wear scrubs and a T-shirt
patients’ rooms. at work and shower and change into street clothes before
• Patients may be discharged to home sooner than usual (as going home.
soon as the family is able to take care of the patient) to free • Rehabilitation staff may be divided into two teams who
space. work independently of each other. If several members of
• It may be difficult to discharge some patients because one team become ill, the other team can take over.
long-term care facilities and retirement homes may not be • Meetings should be held virtually when possible.
accepting new residents.
• Shared equipment must be decontaminated between
Home-Based Rehabilitation
patients; single-use equipment should be used where If patients can be managed at home, this may be a good option,
possible (eg, TheraBands rather than hand weights). even for patients who might have been admitted to inpatient
Particular attention should be paid to electrode sponges, rehabilitation in the past [29,32]. Isolation is easier at home,
hydrocollator heat packs, gels, topical lotions, items for and the burden on inpatient services would be lessened [29,32].
training manual dexterity, etc. However, for this to be a viable choice, enhanced homecare
• Plan therapeutic activities to minimize the number of services and outpatient rehabilitation must be available and able
personnel involved when possible (eg, one therapist with to provide a level of care on par with inpatient rehabilitation.
a gait aid rather than a therapist and an assistant). This mode of delivery may be difficult to institute if home care
• Minimize the number of personnel entering a patient’s staff are restricted from entering patients’ homes [33]. However,
room. Have a single staff member perform most (if not all) given the right precautions, home-based care may be safer for
of the care and duties for a particular patient (eg, deliver patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and for other
food trays, make the bed, give medication, help with patients in a rehabilitation unit [33]. Home-based therapy can
morning care). be provided over the internet and telephone via telerehabilitation
• Walking practice should be done in parts of the hospital [28]. Both assessment and treatment may be provided, either
that are not commonly used. synchronously (ie, in real time) or asynchronously (eg, a
• Surgical masks should be worn by the patients and the prerecorded customized exercise plan). It is important that
therapists. processes are put in place to ensure that patients and therapists
• Patients should be kept at least 2 meters apart and avoid can use this method successfully, given the rehabilitation needs
talking or eating while facing each other. and comfort with technology of the individual patient. One or
more in-person visits may be required as well. Telerehabilitation
Personnel Considerations may also be a good choice for patients being discharged from
Several suggestions for how allied health care professionals can inpatient rehabilitation to continue their treatment and promote
adapt to working with COVID-19 rehabilitation patients are further recovery [30,32].
provided here. These suggestions have been informed by early
COVID-19 reports and adapted from acute care guidelines Rehabilitation Guidelines After COVID-19
[5,21,30,31].
The importance of rehabilitation after COVID-19 has been
• Health checks for personnel should be done frequently. emphasized according to the framework of the International
• There may be personnel shortages due to staff illness, staff Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health [34,35].
in isolation, or redeployment. The WHO does not have rehabilitation guidelines for patients
• There may be changes in staff/patient ratios due to the post–COVID-19 [2]; however, the situation is evolving quickly.
increased number of one-on-one treatments (due to patients Each patient should be fully assessed by all health care staff
not being seen in the rehabilitation gyms). (physicians, nursing, and allied health care workers), and a
• Continuous staff training will be required due to changing suitable treatment plan should be created in conjunction with
protocols/guidelines. the patient and the team while considering the patient’s wishes
• Time should be taken to train and retrain personnel in the and goals. The direct impact of COVID-19 (eg, on the
use of personal protective equipment (PPE). respiratory system and other systems), its sequelae (eg, ICU
• Physiotherapists and speech-language pathologists should stay, mechanical ventilation), and its comorbidities (eg,
wear higher levels of PPE if they may be exposed to hypertension, diabetes) will inform the treatment plan [3]. The

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discharge destination and estimated discharge date will also with the 6-minute walk test (with continuous oxygen saturation
affect the plan. What follows are some guidelines suggested by monitoring) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Function
health care professionals in China, Italy, and other areas based and disability can be measured with the International Physical
on their experiences and expert opinions [3,6]. The guidelines Activity Questionnaire, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly,
are influenced by the prevailing rehabilitation in the regions; and the Barthel Index to measure activities of daily living
however, there is very little actual research on the impact of (ADLs).
rehabilitation after COVID-19, with only one randomized
Physiotherapy should begin in the acute inpatient setting and
controlled trial published to date [36].
continue after transfer to inpatient rehabilitation [3,38]. Early
Respiratory Rehabilitation mobilization should include frequent posture changes, bed
Recommendations from both China and Italy state that to avoid mobility, sit-to-stand, simple bed exercises, and ADLs, while
aggravating respiratory distress or dispersing the virus respecting the patient’s respiratory and hemodynamic states
unnecessarily, respiratory rehabilitation should not begin too [1,7]. Active limb exercises should be accompanied by
early [3,37,38]. In the acute phase, diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle strengthening (suggested program: 8-12
pursed lip breathing, bronchial hygiene, lung expansion repetition-maximum load for 8-12 repetitions, 1 to 3 sets with
techniques (positive expiratory pressure), incentive spirometry, 2 minutes rest between sets, 3 sessions a week for 6 weeks)
manual mobilization of the ribcage, respiratory muscle training, [3,38]. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation can be used to
and aerobic exercise are not recommended [37]. Secretions are assist with strengthening. Aerobic reconditioning can be
not commonly a problem after COVID-19; however, comorbid accomplished with overland walking, cycle or arm ergometry,
conditions such as bronchiectasis, secondary pneumonia, or or a NuStep cross trainer [7]. Initially, aerobic activity should
aspiration may increase secretions [7]. Postural drainage and be kept to less than 3 metabolic equivalents of task. Later,
standing (for gradually increasing periods of time) are suggested progressive aerobic exercise should be increased to 20-30
for secretion management [39]. minutes, 3-5 times a week. Balance work should be
incorporated. Studies on the effectiveness of exercise
In inpatient rehabilitation, respiratory assessment should include interventions after SARS showed benefits for endurance,
dyspnea, thoracic activity, diaphragmatic activity and amplitude, maximum oxygen consumption, and strength [40].
respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory and expiratory
pressures), respiratory pattern, and frequency [38,39]. Cardiac Occupational therapy should focus on ADL and instrumental
status should also be assessed [39]. ADL guidance as well as targeted interventions to facilitate
functional independence and prepare patients for discharge [41].
In the postacute phase, inspiratory muscle training should be Speech-language pathologists should assess and treat dysphagia
included if inspiratory muscles are weak. Deep, slow breathing, and voice impairments resulting from prolonged intubation and
thoracic expansion (with shoulder elevation), diaphragmatic may also address respiratory strength and coordination [41].
breathing, mobilization of respiratory muscles, airway clearance Occupational therapists should also address cognitive changes,
techniques (as needed), and positive expiratory pressure devices while speech-language pathologists should address
can be added based on assessed needs [38,39]. Care must be communication issues [41]. Chinese medicine techniques such
taken to avoid overloading the respiratory system and causing as tai chi, the Qigong 6-character mnemonic, guided breathing,
distress [7]. One randomized controlled trial showed a and Baduanjin qigong have been suggested by the Chinese
significant improvement in respiratory function, endurance, [3,38]. Education on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and
quality of life, and depression from 2 sessions of 10 minutes of participation in family and social activities should be included.
respiratory rehabilitation per week for 6 weeks following Psychological interventions delivered by occupational therapists,
discharge from acute care [36]. Rehabilitation included social workers or rehabilitation psychologists may be required
respiratory muscle training with a positive expiratory pressure for patients with depression, anxiety, or PTSD [41].
device, cough exercises, diaphragmatic training (using 1 to 3
kilograms of weight on the abdomen in supine), chest stretching, Conclusions
and pursed-lip breathing. Patients should be monitored closely
for shortness of breath, decreased SaO2 (<95%), blood pressure Rehabilitation after COVID-19 is similar to that provided for
<90/60 or >140/90, heart rate >100 beats per minute, many patients in geriatric rehabilitation units who have been
temperature >37.2 ºC, excessive fatigue, chest pain, severe affected by illness or injury. Some may present with a variety
cough, blurred vision, dizziness, heart palpitations, sweating, of sequelae associated with the viral illness and with a prolonged
loss of balance, and headache [3,38]. stay in the ICU, possibly including mechanical ventilation.
Many will have preexisting comorbidities. A thorough
Mobility and Functional Rehabilitation assessment and an individualized, progressive treatment plan
Functional assessment should include muscle joint range of which focuses on function, disability, and return to participation
motion, strength testing, and balance (use of the Berg Balance in society will help each patient to maximize their function and
Scale is suggested) [3,7,38]. Exercise capacity can be assessed quality of life.

Acknowledgments
The research was unfunded.

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Authors' Contributions
LS researched and wrote the paper.

Conflicts of Interest
None declared.

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JMIR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SURVEILLANCE Sheehy

Abbreviations
ADL: activity of daily living
ARDS: acute respiratory distress syndrome
CIM: critical illness myopathy
CIP: critical illness polyneuropathy
COVID-19: coronavirus disease
ICU: intensive care unit
MERS: Middle East respiratory syndrome
PPE: personal protective equipment
PTSD: posttraumatic stress disorder
SARS: severe acute respiratory syndrome
SARS-CoV-2: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
WHO: World Health Organization

Edited by T Sanchez, G Eysenbach; submitted 18.04.20; peer-reviewed by M Janssen, E Da Silva; comments to author 27.04.20;
revised version received 03.05.20; accepted 04.05.20; published 08.05.20
Please cite as:
Sheehy LM
Considerations for Postacute Rehabilitation for Survivors of COVID-19
JMIR Public Health Surveill 2020;6(2):e19462
URL: http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e19462/
doi: 10.2196/19462
PMID:

©Lisa Mary Sheehy. Originally published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance (http://publichealth.jmir.org), 08.05.2020.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work, first published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, is properly cited. The complete bibliographic
information, a link to the original publication on http://publichealth.jmir.org, as well as this copyright and license information
must be included.

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